Aldehyde dehydrogenase class 3 expression: identification of a cornea-preferred gene promoter in transgenic mice

Differentiation Trajectory of Limbal Stem and Progenitor Cells under Normal Homeostasis and upon Corneal Wounding

Limbal stem cells (LSCs) reside discretely at limbus surrounded by niche cells and progenitor cells. The aim of this study is to identify the heterogeneous cell populations at limbus under normal homeostasis and upon wounding using single-cell RNA sequencing in a mouse model. Two putative LSC types were identified which showed a differentiation trajectory into limbal progenitor cell (LPC) types under normal homeostasis and during wound healing. They were designated as “putative active LSCs” and “putative quiescent LSCs”, respectively, because the former type actively divided upon wounding while the later type stayed at a quiescent status upon wounding. The “putative quiescent LSCs” might contribute to a barrier function due to their characteristic markers regulating vascular and epithelial barrier and growth. Different types of LPCs at different proliferative statuses were identified in unwounded and wounded corneas with distinctive markers. Four maturation markers (Aldh3, Slurp1, Tkt, and Krt12) were screened out for corneal epithelium, which showed an increased expression along the differentiation trajectory during corneal epithelial maturation. In conclusion, our study identified two different types of putative LSCs and several types of putative LPCs under normal homeostasis and upon wounding, which will facilitate the understanding of corneal epithelial regeneration and wound healing.

Moonlighting in drug metabolism

Drug metabolizing enzymes catalyze the biotransformation of many of drugs and chemicals. The drug metabolizing enzymes are distributed among several evolutionary families and catalyze a range of detoxication reactions, including oxidation/reduction, conjugative, and hydrolytic reactions that serve to detoxify potentially toxic compounds. This detoxication function requires that drug metabolizing enzymes exhibit substrate promiscuity. In addition to their catalytic functions, many drug metabolizing enzymes possess functions unrelated to or in addition to catalysis. Such proteins are termed 'moonlighting proteins' and are defined as proteins with multiple biochemical or biophysical functions that reside in a single protein. This review discusses the diverse moonlighting functions of drug metabolizing enzymes and the roles they play in physiological functions relating to reproduction, vision, cell signaling, cancer, and transport. Further research will likely reveal new examples of moonlighting functions of drug metabolizing enzymes.

Generation and characterization of Aldh3-Cre transgenic mice as a tool for conditional gene deletion in postnatal cornea

Conditional gene targeting in mice by means of Cre-loxP strategy represents a powerful approach to study mammalian gene function. This approach is however dependent on the availability of suitable strains of mice with a tissue or time restricted activity of the Cre recombinase. Here we describe Aldh3-Cre transgenic mice as a useful tool to conditionally delete genes in cornea, a specialized transparent tissue found on the anterior-most part of the eye, which acts as a protective barrier and contributes to the refractive power. Using a set of floxed alleles we demonstrate high Aldh3-Cre activity in corneal epithelial cells, corneal stroma and conjunctival epithelial cells at postnatal stages. Aldh3-Cre will thus be particularly beneficial for functional analysis of genes which are vital for postnatal development of cornea and conjunctiva.

Early response of C2C12 myotubes to a sub-cytotoxic dose of hemorrhagic metalloproteinase HF3 from Bothrops jararaca venom

Manifestations of local tissue damage, such as hemorrhage and myonecrosis, are among the most dramatic effects of envenomation by viperid snakes. Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) of the P-III class are main players of the hemorrhagic effect due to their activities in promoting blood vessel disruption. Hemorrhagic Factor 3 (HF3), a P-III class SVMP from Bothrops jararaca, shows a minimum hemorrhagic dose of 240 fmol on rabbit skin. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a sub-cytotoxic dose of HF3 (50 nM) on the proteomic profile of C2C12 differentiated cells (myotubes) in culture, and on the peptidomic profile of the culture supernatant. Quantitative proteomic analysis using stable-isotope dimethyl labeling showed differential abundance of various proteins including enzymes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation responses. Identification of peptides in the supernatant of HF3-treated myotubes revealed proteolysis and pointed out potential new substrates of HF3, including glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and some damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These experiments demonstrate the subtle effects of HF3 on muscle cells and illustrate for the first time the early proteolytic events triggered by HF3 on myotubes. Moreover, they may contribute to future studies aimed at explaining the inflammation process, hemorrhage and myonecrosis caused by SVMPs. SIGNIFICANCE: One of the main features of viperid snake envenomation is myotoxicity at the bite site, which, in turn is often associated with edema, blistering and hemorrhage, composing a complex pattern of local tissue damage. In this scenario, besides muscle cells, other types of cells, components of the extracellular matrix and blood vessels may also be affected, resulting in an outcome of deficient muscle regeneration. The main venom components participating in this pathology are metalloproteinases and phospholipases A2. Muscle necrosis induced by metalloproteinases is considered as an indirect effect related to ischemia, due to hemorrhage resulted from damage to the microvasculature. The pathogenesis of local effects induced by Bothrops venoms or isolated toxins has been studied by traditional methodologies. More recently, proteomic and peptidomic approaches have been used to study venom-induced pathogenesis. Here, in order to investigate the role of metalloproteinase activity in local tissue damage, we asked whether the hemorrhagic metalloproteinase HF3, at sub-cytotoxic levels, could alter the proteome of C2C12 myotubes in culture, thereby providing an insight into the mechanisms for the development of myonecrosis. Our results from mass spectrometric analyses showed subtle, early changes in the cells, including differential abundance of some proteins and proteolysis in the culture supernatant. The data illustrate the potential ability of metalloproteinases to trigger early systemic responses progressing from local cells and up to tissues.

Corneal Expression of SLURP-1 by Age, Sex, Genetic Strain, and Ocular Surface Health

PURPOSE

Although secreted Ly6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-related protein-1 (Slurp1) transcript is highly abundant in the mouse cornea, corresponding protein expression remains uncharacterized. Also, SLURP1 was undetected in previous tear proteomics studies, resulting in ambiguity about its baseline levels. Here, we examine mouse corneal Slurp1 expression in different sexes, age groups, strains, and health conditions, and quantify SLURP1 in human tears from healthy or inflamed ocular surfaces.

METHODS

Expression of Slurp1 in embryonic day-13 (E13), E16, postnatal day-1 (PN1), PN10, PN20, and PN70 Balb/C, FVBN, C57Bl/6, and DBA/2J mouse corneas, Klf4Δ/ΔCE corneas with corneal epithelial-specific ablation of Klf4, migrating cells in wild-type corneal epithelial wound edge, and in corneas exposed to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) poly(I:C), zymosan-A, or Pam3Csk4 was examined by QPCR, immunoblots, and immunofluorescent staining. Human SLURP1 levels were quantified by ELISA in tears from 34 men and women aged 18 to 80 years.

RESULTS

Expression of Slurp1, comparable in different strains and sexes, was low in E13, E16, PN1, and PN10 mouse corneas, and increased rapidly after eyelid opening in a Klf4-dependent manner. We found Slurp1 was downregulated in corneas exposed to PAMPs, and in migrating cells at the wound edge. Human SLURP1 expression, comparable in different sexes and age groups, was significantly decreased in tears from inflamed ocular surfaces (0.34%) than those from healthy individuals (0.77%).

CONCLUSIONS

These data describe the influence of age, sex, genetic background, and ocular surface health on mouse corneal expression of Slurp1, establish the baseline for human tear SLURP1 expression, and identify SLURP1 as a useful diagnostic and/or therapeutic target for inflammatory ocular surface disorders.

Ocular surface development and gene expression

The ocular surface-a continuous epithelial surface with regional specializations including the surface and glandular epithelia of the cornea, conjunctiva, and lacrimal and meibomian glands connected by the overlying tear film-plays a central role in vision. Molecular and cellular events involved in embryonic development, postnatal maturation, and maintenance of the ocular surface are precisely regulated at the level of gene expression by a well-coordinated network of transcription factors. A thorough appreciation of the biological characteristics of the ocular surface in terms of its gene expression profiles and their regulation provides us with a valuable insight into the pathophysiology of various blinding disorders that disrupt the normal development, maturation, and/or maintenance of the ocular surface. This paper summarizes the current status of our knowledge related to the ocular surface development and gene expression and the contribution of different transcription factors to this process.

Significant inhibition of corneal scarring in vivo with tissue-selective, targeted AAV5 decorin gene therapy

PURPOSE

This study tested a hypothesis that tissue-selective targeted decorin gene therapy delivered to the stroma with adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) inhibits corneal fibrosis in vivo without significant side effects.

METHODS

An in vivo rabbit model of corneal fibrosis was used. Targeted decorin gene therapy was delivered to the rabbit cornea by a single topical application of AAV5 (100 μL; 6.5 × 10(12) μg/mL) onto the bare stroma for 2 minutes. The levels of corneal fibrosis were determined with stereomicroscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), fibronectin, and F-actin immunocytochemistry, and/or immunoblotting. CD11b, F4/80 immunocytochemistry, and TUNEL assay were used to examine immunogenicity and cytotoxicity of AAV5 to the cornea. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to investigate ultrastructural features. Slot-blot-quantified the copy number of AAV5-delivered decorin genes.

RESULTS

Selective decorin delivery into the stroma showed a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in corneal haze (1.3 ± 0.3) compared with the no-decorin-delivered control rabbit corneas (3 ± 0.4) quantified using slit lamp biomicroscopy. Immunostaining and immunoblot analyses detected significantly reduced levels of αSMA, F-actin, and fibronectin proteins (59%-73%; P < 0.001 or <0.01) in decorin-delivered rabbit corneas compared with the no-decorin-delivered controls. The visual clinical eye examination, slit lamp clinical studies, TUNEL, CD11b, and F4/80 assays revealed that AAV5-mediated decorin gene therapy is nonimmunogenic and nontoxic for the cornea. TEM studies suggested that decorin gene delivery does not jeopardize collagen fibrillogenesis as no significant differences in collagen fibril diameter and arrangement were observed in decorin-delivered and no-decorin-delivered control corneas.

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue-targeted AAV5-mediated decorin gene therapy is effective and safe for treating corneal fibrosis in vivo.

Overexpression of Pax6 in mouse cornea directly alters corneal epithelial cells: changes in immune function, vascularization, and differentiation

PURPOSE

To assess whether Pax6 functions directly in the cornea, a corneal-preferred promoter was used to overexpress Pax6 specifically in the cornea.

METHODS

Transgenic mice harboring a construct containing mouse Pax6 coding sequences fused downstream of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 3a1 (Aldh3a1) promoter were generated (Pax6 Tg). Pax6 expression was analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Eye sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Schiff reagent, and fluorescein, to assess morphologic changes, the presence of goblet cells, and barrier integrity, respectively. Gene expression changes in mildly affected Pax6 Tg corneas were compared to age-matched, wild-type (WT) corneas by microarray analysis and quantitative PCR. Promoter regulation of several differentially expressed genes was examined by monitoring luciferase activity of reporter constructs after cotransfection with Pax6 in COS7 cells.

RESULTS

Corneal overexpression of Pax6 produces an abnormal cornea with altered epithelial cell morphology, neovascularization, immune cell invasion, and a compromised barrier; the lens appeared normal. Major changes in expression of genes involved in immune function, vascularization, and epithelial differentiation occurred in corneas from Pax6 Tg versus WT mice. The keratin (K) profile was dramatically altered in the Pax6 Tg corneas, as were several components of the Wnt signaling pathway. In severely affected Pax6 Tg corneas, K12 was reduced, and Pax6 was redistributed into the cytoplasm. Promoters from the chitinase 3-like 3, Wnt inhibitory factor 1, and fms-related tyrosine kinase 1/soluble VEGF receptor genes were upregulated five-, seven-, and threefold, respectively, by Pax6 in transfected COS7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Pax6 functions directly to maintain normal, corneal epithelial cells.

Efficacious and safe tissue-selective controlled gene therapy approaches for the cornea

Untargeted and uncontrolled gene delivery is a major cause of gene therapy failure. This study aimed to define efficient and safe tissue-selective targeted gene therapy approaches for delivering genes into keratocytes of the cornea in vivo using a normal or diseased rabbit model. New Zealand White rabbits, adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5), and a minimally invasive hair-dryer based vector-delivery technique were used. Fifty microliters of AAV5 titer (6.5×10¹² vg/ml) expressing green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) was topically applied onto normal or diseased (fibrotic or neovascularized) rabbit corneas for 2-minutes with a custom vector-delivery technique. Corneal fibrosis and neovascularization in rabbit eyes were induced with photorefractive keratectomy using excimer laser and VEGF (630 ng) using micropocket assay, respectively. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and immunocytochemistry were used to confirm fibrosis and neovascularization in rabbit corneas. The levels, location and duration of delivered-GFP gene expression in the rabbit stroma were measured with immunocytochemistry and/or western blotting. Slot-blot measured delivered-GFP gene copy number. Confocal microscopy performed in whole-mounts of cornea and thick corneal sections determined geometric and spatial localization of delivered-GFP in three-dimensional arrangement. AAV5 toxicity and safety were evaluated with clinical eye exam, stereomicroscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and H&E staining. A single 2-minute AAV5 topical application via custom delivery-technique efficiently and selectively transduced keratocytes in the anterior stroma of normal and diseased rabbit corneas as evident from immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. Transgene expression was first detected at day 3, peaked at day 7, and was maintained up to 16 weeks (longest tested time point). Clinical and slit-lamp eye examination in live rabbits and H&E staining did not reveal any significant changes between AAV5-treated and untreated control corneas. These findings suggest that defined gene therapy approaches are safe for delivering genes into keratocytes in vivo and has potential for treating corneal disorders in human patients.

Differential epithelial and stromal protein profiles in keratoconus and normal human corneas

The purpose of the study was to identify epithelial and stromal proteins that exhibit up- or down-regulation in keratoconus (KC) vs. normal human corneas. Because previous proteomic studies utilized whole human corneas or epithelium alone, thereby diluted the specificity of the proteome of each tissue, we selectively analyzed the epithelium and stromal proteins. Individual preparations of epithelial and stromal proteins from KC and age-matched normal corneas were analyzed by two independent methods, i.e., a shotgun proteomic using a Nano-Electrospray Ionization Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry [Nano-ESI-LC-MS (MS)(2)] and two-dimensional-difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) coupled with mass spectrometric methods. The label-free Nano-ESI-LC-MS (MS)(2) method identified 104 epithelial and 44 stromal proteins from both normal and KC corneas, and also quantified relative changes in levels of selected proteins, in both the tissues using spectral counts in a proteomic dataset. Relative to normal corneal epithelial proteins, six KC epithelial proteins (lamin-A/C, keratin type I cytoskeletal 14, tubulin beta chain, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, keratin type I cytoskeletal 16 and protein S100-A4) exhibited up-regulation and five proteins (transketolase, pyruvate kinase, 14-3-3 sigma isoform, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, and NADPH dehydrogenase (quinone) 1) showed down-regulation. A similar relative analysis showed that three KC stromal proteins (decorin, vimentin and keratocan) were up-regulated and five stromal proteins (TGF-betaig h3 (Bigh3), serotransferrin, MAM domain-containing protein 2 and isoforms 2C2A of collagen alpha-2[VI] chain) were down-regulated. The 2D-DIGE-mass spectrometry followed by Decyder software analysis showed that relative to normal corneas, the KC corneal epithelium exhibited up-regulation of four proteins (serum albumin, keratin 5, L-lactate dehydrogenase and annexin A8) and down-regulation of four proteins (FTH1 [Ferritin heavy chain protein 1], calpain small subunit 1, heat shock protein beta 1 and annexin A2). A similar relative analysis of stroma by this method also showed up-regulation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1), keratin 12, apolipoprotein A-IV precursor, haptoglobin precursor, prolipoprotein and lipoprotein Gln in KC corneas. Together, the results suggested that the Nano-ESI-LC-MS(MS)(2) method was superior than the 2D-DIGE method as it identified a greater number of proteins with altered levels in KC corneas. Further, the epithelial and stromal structural proteins of KC corneas exhibited altered levels compared to normal corneas, suggesting that they are affected due to structural remodeling during KC development and progression. Additionally, because several epithelial and stromal enzymes exhibited up- or down-regulation in the KC corneas relative to normal corneas, the two layers of KC corneas were under metabolic stress to adjust their remodeling.

Differential expression patterns and developmental roles of duplicated scinderin-like genes in zebrafish

Scinderin, the closest homologue of the actin-severing protein, gelsolin, has two similar paralogs (Scinla and Scinlb) in zebrafish. Scinla is abundant in the adult cornea; Scinlb comprises considerably less corneal protein. Here, we show that scinla is expressed in the nose, lens, brain, cornea and annular ligament of the iridocorneal angle; by contrast, scinlb is expressed in the hatching gland, floor plate, notochord, otic vesicle, brain, pharynx, cartilage, swim bladder and cornea. Activity of scinla and scinlb promoter fragments driving the EGFP reporter gene in transgenic zebrafish resembled scinla or scinlb expression. Previously, we showed that reduction of scinla by injection of antisense morpholino oligonucleotides ventralized embryos; here, specific reduction of scinlb expression led to subtle brain abnormalities associated with increased cell death, decreased shhb expression in the floor plate, and slightly reduced eye distance. Thus, scinla and scinlb have different expression patterns and developmental roles during zebrafish development.

Limbal stem cells in review

The ocular surface consists of two distinct types of epithelial cells; conjunctival and corneal. Although anatomically continuous, these epithelia comprise two distinct cell populations. Corneal stem cells are located at the limbus. The microenvironment of the limbus is important in maintaining "stemness" of the stem cells and also acts as a barrier to conjunctival epithelial cells preventing them from migration onto the corneal surface.Damage to the limbus results in varying degrees of limbal stem cell deficiency with characteristic clinical features including conjunctivalization of the cornea. Regenerative management of corneal conjunctivalization utilizing stem cells comprises of two approaches; limbal auto- or allografts by using existing stem cells and induction and regeneration of ocular tissues from embryonic stem cells. Herein, we review stem cells and limbal stem cells in particular, types of epithelial cells in the cornea, markers of corneal epithelial cells in different stages, as well as the current approach to corneal epithelial regeneration.

Investigation of the effects of PACAP on the composition of tear and endolymph proteins

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is widely distributed in ocular tissues, including the lacrimal gland. PACAP has been shown to influence the activity of several exocrine glands, but its effects on the composition of the tear film are not known yet. Similarly, the presence of PACAP has already been shown in the inner ear, but it is not known whether PACAP influences the composition of the endolymph. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether systemic injection of PACAP has any modulatory effects on the protein composition of the tear film and endolymph using chip electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis. Tear and endolymph samples were collected from rats and chickens, respectively, at various time points after systemic injection of PACAP. Fluid samples were further processed for chip electrophoretic studies. No difference was found in the protein composition of the endolymph between control and PACAP-treated animals. In contrast, tear samples showed a marked difference after PACAP treatment. Proteins in the molecular range 50-70 kDa, which showed a different chip electropherogram profile in every PACAP-treated sample, were further analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. PACAP treatment induced a repression in certain keratins, while others were induced after PACAP injection. Furthermore, PACAP treatment decreased aldehyde dehydrogenase expression. The present study provides a base for further studies on the in vivo effects of PACAP on the composition of tear film. These investigations may have important clinical relevance because of the noninvasive sample collection, the correlation between tear proteins and ocular diseases, and the possible presence of biomarkers for both ophthalmological and systemic pathological conditions.

Eye evolution: lens and cornea as an upgrade of animal visual system

Lens-containing eyes are a feature of surprisingly broad spectrum of organisms across the animal kingdom that represent a significant improvement of simple eye composed of just photoreceptor cells and pigment cells. It is apparent that such an upgrade of animal visual system has originated numerous times during evolution since many distinct strategies to enhance light refraction through the use of lens and cornea have been utilized. In addition to having an ancient role in prototypical eye formation Pax transcription factors were convergently recruited for regulation of structurally diverse crystallins and genes affecting morphogenesis of various lens-containing eyes.

The use of transgenic and knock-out mice in the investigation of ocular surface cell biology

The transgenic and knock-out mice created by transgenesis and gene targeting techniques are very useful for elucidating the pathophysiology of human diseases caused by altered genetic functions. Many of the experimental mouse lines exhibit ocular surface disorders. However, embryonic lethality and congenital defects found in many of the transgenic and knock-out mice preclude their use for studying the consequences of altered genetic functions in adult animals. To circumvent these difficulties, we have established binary inducible mouse models, using the corneal keratocyte-specific keratocan promoter, and the tetracycline-inducible gene expression system (reverse tetracycline transcription activator--rtTA). In these models, the animals function normally until they are fed doxycycline, thus inducing the overexpression of inserted transgenes by keratocytes. We have also developed inserted rtTA and Cre reporter gene constructs to create genetically modified mouse lines that have tissue-specific gene alterations to study acquired conditions, e.g., wound healing and irregular hormone and cytokine signaling that offsets homeostasis in adults. Furthermore, the genes that are ubiquitously expressed in many tissues can be specifically ablated solely in ocular surface tissues to examine their function, since the loss of such a gene in ocular surface tissues will not be life-threatening. It is noteworthy that these altered mouse lines can also be used as models for the development of therapeutic treatment regimens of diseases using gene therapy and stem cell strategies.

A role for chromosomal protein HMGN1 in corneal maturation

Corneal differentiation and maturation are associated with major changes in the expression levels of numerous genes, including those coding for the chromatin-binding high-mobility group (HMG) proteins. Here we report that HMGN1, a nucleosome-binding protein that alters the structure and activity of chromatin, affects the development of the corneal epithelium in mice. The corneal epithelium of Hmgn1(-/-) mice is thin, has a reduced number of cells, is poorly stratified, is depleted of suprabasal wing cells, and its most superficial cell layer blisters. In mature Hmgn1(-/-)mice, the basal cells retain the ovoid shape of immature cells, and rest directly on the basal membrane which is disorganized. Gene expression was modified in Hmgn1(-/-) corneas: glutathione-S-transferase (GST)alpha 4 and GST omega 1, epithelial layer-specific markers, were selectively reduced while E-cadherin and alpha-, beta-, and gamma-catenin, components of adherens junctions, were increased. Immunofluorescence analysis reveals a complete co-localization of HMGN1 and p 63 in small clusters of basal corneal epithelial cells of wild-type mice, and an absence of p 63 expressing cells in the central region of the Hmgn1(-/-) cornea. We suggest that interaction of HMGN1 with chromatin modulates the fidelity of gene expression and affects corneal development and maturation.

Identification and characterization of limbal stem cells

The maintenance of a healthy corneal epithelium under both normal and wound healing conditions is achieved by a population of stem cells (SC) located in the basal epithelium at the corneoscleral limbus. In the light of the development of strategies for reconstruction of the ocular surface in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, a major challenge in corneal SC biology remains the ability to identify stem cells in situ and in vitro. Until recently, the identification of limbal stem cells mainly has been based on general properties of stem cells, e.g. lack of differentiation, prolonged label-retaining, indefinite capacity of proliferation exemplified by the clonogenic assay as well as their special role in corneal wound healing. During the last years, a number of molecular markers for the limbal SC compartment has been proposed, however, their role in distinguishing limbal SC from their early progeny is still under debate. Data reported from the literature combined with our own recent observations suggest, that the basal epithelial cells of the human limbus contain ABCG2, K19, vimentin, KGF-R, metallothionein, and integrin alpha9, but do not stain for K3/K12, Cx43, involucrin, P-cadherin, integrins alpha2, alpha6, and beta4, and nestin, when compared to the basal cells of the corneal epithelium. A relatively higher expression level in basal limbal cells was observed for p63, alpha-enolase, K5/14, and HGF-R, whereas there were no significant differences in staining intensity for beta-catenin, integrins alphav, beta1, beta2, and beta5, CD71, EGF-R, TGF-beta-RI, TGF-beta-RII, and TrkA between limbal and corneal basal epithelial cells. Therefore, a combination of differentiation-associated markers (e.g. K3/K12, Cx43, or involucrin) and putative SC-associated markers (e.g. ABCG2, K19, vimentin, or integrin alpha9) may provide a suitable tool for identification of human limbal SC. While most putative SC markers label the majority of limbal basal cells and, therefore, may not distinguish SC from progenitor cells, only ABCG2 was strictly confined to small clusters of basal cells in the limbal epithelium. At present, ABCG2 therefore appears to be the most useful cell surface marker for the identification and isolation of corneal epithelial SC. Moreover, the characteristics of the specific microenvironment of corneal SC, as provided by growth factor activity and basement membrane heterogeneity in the limbal area, could serve as additional tools for their selective enrichment and in vitro expansion for the purpose of ocular surface reconstruction.

The Corneal Epithelial Stem Cell Niche

In recent years, it has become generally accepted that the corneal epithelial stem cells are localized in the basal cell layer of the limbal epithelium. However, a number of questions remain regarding the number, markers, generation, and maintenance of the corneal epithelial stem cells. One of the key questions concerns what makes up the microenvironment or niche that is responsible for allowing the stem cells to remain and function throughout the life of the tissue. This review will consider the unique aspects of the limbus and compare these to what is known about other stem cell niches.

Cdk5 regulates activation and localization of Src during corneal epithelial wound closure

Recent studies have shown that Cdk5, a member of the cyclin-dependent-kinase family, regulates adhesion and migration in a mouse corneal epithelial cell line. Here, we extend these findings to corneal wound healing in vivo and examine the mechanism linking Cdk5 to cytoskeletal reorganization and migration. Cdk5 was overexpressed in the corneal epithelium of transgenic mice under control of the ALDH3 promoter. Elevated Cdk5 expression retarded corneal debridement wound closure in these animals and suppressed remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Conversely, the Cdk5 inhibitor, olomoucine, accelerated debridement wound healing in organ cultured eyes of normal mice, caused migrating cells to separate from the epithelial cell sheet, and increased the level of activated Src(pY416) along the wound edge. To explore the relationship between Cdk5 and Src in greater detail, we examined scratch-wounded cultures of corneal epithelial cells. Src was activated in cells along the wound edge and blocking this activation with the Src kinase inhibitor, PP1, inhibited wound closure by 85%. Inhibiting Cdk5 activity with olomoucine or a dominant negative construct, Cdk5T33, increased the concentration of Src(pY416), shifted its subcellular localization to the cell periphery and enhanced wound closure. Cdk5(pY15), an activated form of Cdk5, also appeared along the wound edge. Inhibiting Src activity with PP1 blocked the appearance of Cdk5(pY15), suggesting that Cdk5 phosphorylation is Src dependent. Cdk5 and Src co-immunoprecipitated from scratch-wounded cultures, demonstrating that both kinases are part of an intracellular protein complex. These findings indicate that Cdk5 exerts its effects on cell migration during corneal epithelial wound healing by regulating the activation and localization of Src.

Transduction of functionally active TAT fusion proteins into cornea

A technology has recently been developed that allows for the rapid transduction of full-length functionally active proteins into intact tissue through intravenous injection and into cultured cells. This technology involves the fusion of an 11 amino acid sequence of the HIV TAT protein to the protein of interest. In the current investigation, we determined whether functionally active TAT fusion proteins could be transduced into intact corneas by topical application. TAT-beta-galactosidase was purified from bacterial cells and applied in serial dilutions (12.5-250 nm) to cultured epithelial cells for 5 or 15 min. In addition, enucleated globes and excised corneas with or without a central 3-mm epithelial debridement were incubated with TAT-beta-galactosidase for 1 or 2 hr. Excised corneas were allowed to heal in organ culture. Transduction of active beta-galactosidase was detected by incubating the cells or corneas with X-gal. TAT-beta-galactosidase was transduced into nearly all cultured cells in a concentration-dependent manner. When TAT-beta-galactosidase was topically applied to intact corneas, only the most superficial layer of epithelium was highly transduced. When the superficial layer was removed with nitrocellulose, two to four layers of cells were transduced. In corneas with a central debridement, epithelial cells at the edge of the debridement were transduced as well as the stromal cells subjacent to the debridement. Active beta-galactosidase was maintained at least 1 day in organ culture. No X-gal reaction was seen in either cells or corneas not incubated with TAT-beta-galactosidase. Functionally active proteins can be efficiently transduced into corneal epithelial and stromal cells using TAT fusion protein technology. The intact epithelium provides a barrier to penetration of TAT proteins. This barrier can be overcome by disrupting the epithelium. TAT-mediated protein transduction may be extremely useful in studies of corneal wound healing and homeostasis.

Human aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1): biochemical characterization and immunohistochemical localization in the cornea

ALDH3A1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1) is expressed at high concentrations in the mammalian cornea and it is believed that it protects this vital tissue and the rest of the eye against UV-light-induced damage. The precise biological function(s) and cellular distribution of ALDH3A1 in the corneal tissue remain to be elucidated. Among the hypotheses proposed for ALDH3A1 function in cornea is detoxification of aldehydes formed during UV-induced lipid peroxidation. To investigate in detail the biochemical properties and distribution of this protein in the human cornea, we expressed human ALDH3A1 in Sf9 insect cells using a baculovirus vector and raised monoclonal antibodies against ALDH3A1. Recombinant ALDH3A1 protein was purified to homogeneity with a single-step affinity chromatography method using 5'-AMP-Sepharose 4B. Human ALDH3A1 demonstrated high substrate specificity for medium-chain (6 carbons and more) saturated and unsaturated aldehydes, including 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, which are generated by the peroxidation of cellular lipids. Short-chain aliphatic aldehydes, such as acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde and malondialdehyde, were found to be very poor substrates for human ALDH3A1. In addition, ALDH3A1 metabolized glyceraldehyde poorly and did not metabolize glucose 6-phosphate, 6-phosphoglucono-delta-lactone and 6-phosphogluconate at all, suggesting that this enzyme is not involved in either glycolysis or the pentose phosphate pathway. Immunohistochemistry in human corneas, using the monoclonal antibodies described herein, revealed ALDH3A1 expression in epithelial cells and stromal keratocytes, but not in endothelial cells. Overall, these cumulative findings support the metabolic function of ALDH3A1 as a part of a corneal cellular defence mechanism against oxidative damage caused by aldehydic products of lipid peroxidation. Both recombinant human ALDH3A1 and the highly specific monoclonal antibodies described in the present paper may prove to be useful in probing biological functions of this protein in ocular tissue.

Antioxidant protection in cultured corneal cells and whole corneas submitted to UV-B exposure

Several corneal pathologies are characterized by the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS); therefore, we evaluated the protection afforded by pirenoxine and melatonin to corneal cell culture and whole rabbit cornea from ultraviolet exposure and other oxidant systems. Rabbit cornea cell (SIRC) plates and whole corneas were exposed to UV-B (80 or 800 mJ/cm2) or incubated with fMLP-stimulated autologous macrophages, in the presence or absence of pirenoxine or melatonin (10(-5) M). The protective activity of compounds was assessed by measuring superoxide anion formation, inhibition of oxidation and mitochondrial viability. Moreover the ex vivo protective effect of pirenoxine and melatonin was verified in the whole cornea submitted to UV-B exposure in vitro. Our experimental data demonstrate that pirenoxine and melatonin were able to inhibit the superoxide formation and oxidative effect in cell culture and whole rabbit corneas submitted to UV-B exposure or to incubation with fMLP-stimulated autologous macrophages. Mitochondrial viability was restored in epithelial cells of rabbit cornea but not in SIRCs. Moreover, both compounds are also able to increase ex vivo epithelial corneal cell defences against the in vitro UV-B induced lipid peroxidation.

Structurally normal corneas in aldehyde dehydrogenase 3a1-deficient mice

We have constructed an ALDH3a1 null mouse to investigate the role of this enzyme that comprises nearly one-half of the total water-soluble protein in the mouse corneal epithelium. ALDH3a1-deficient mice are viable and fertile, have a corneal epithelium with a water-soluble protein content approximately half that of wild-type mice, and contain no ALDH3a1 as determined by zymograms and immunoblots. Despite the loss of protein content and ALDH3a1 activity, the ALDH3a1(-/-) mouse corneas appear indistinguishable from wild-type corneas when examined by histological analysis and electron microscopy and are transparent as determined by light and slit lamp microscopy. There is no evidence for a compensating protein or enzyme. Even though the function of ALDH3a1 in the mouse cornea remains unknown, our data indicate that its enzymatic activity is unnecessary for corneal clarity and maintenance, at least under laboratory conditions.

Reporter gene construct containing 1.4-kB alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor promoter confers expression in the cornea of transgenic mice

A 1.4-kb human alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI) 5'-flanking sequence fused to the E. coli LacZ gene was used to generate transgenic mice. The 1.4-kb alpha 1-PI fragment was found to target LacZ expression preferentially in the epithelium and stroma of the mouse cornea, and moderately or weakly in white blood cells and a few other tissues, such as the skin and brain. This finding implies that the alpha 1-PI promoter may offer an option for targeting foreign genes in both the epithelial and stromal layers of the cornea in future transgenic experiments.

Enigma of the abundant water-soluble cytoplasmic proteins of the cornea: the "refracton" hypothesis

It is accepted that the taxon-specific, multifunctional crystallins (small heat-shock proteins and enzymes) serve structural roles contributing to the transparent and refractive properties of the lens. The transparent cornea also accumulates unexpectedly high proportions of taxon-specific, multifunctional proteins particularly, but not only, in the epithelium. For example, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 (ALDH3) is the main water-soluble protein in corneal epithelial cells of most mammals (but ALDH1 predominates in the rabbit), whereas gelsolin predominates in the zebrafish corneal epithelium. Moreover, some invertebrates (e.g., squid and scallop) accumulate proteins in their corneas that are similar to their lens crystallins. Pax-6, among other transcription factors, is implicated in development and tissue-specific gene expression of the lens and cornea. Environmental factors appear to influence gene expression in the cornea, but not the lens. Although no direct proof exists, the diverse, abundant corneal proteins may have evolved a crystallinlike role, in addition to their enzymatic or cytoskeletal functions, by a gene sharing mechanism similar to the lens crystallins. Consequently, it is proposed that the cornea and lens be considered as a single refractive unit, called here the "refracton," to emphasize their similarities and common function.

Characteristics of the human ocular surface epithelium

An appreciation of the biological characteristics of the human ocular surface epithelium affords us a great insight into the physiology of the human ocular surface in health and disease. Here, we review five important aspects of the human ocular surface epithelium. First, we recognize the discovery of corneal epithelial stem cells, and note how the palisades of Vogt have been suggested as a clinical marker of their presence. Second, we introduce the concept of the gene expression profile of the ocular surface epithelium as arrived at using a new strategy for the systematic analysis of active genes. We also provide a summary of several genes abundantly or uniquely expressed in the human corneal epithelium, namely clusterin, keratin 3, keratin 12, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 (ALDH3), troponin-I fast-twitch isoform, ssig-h3, cathepsin L2 (cathepsin V), uroplakin Ib, and Ca(2+)-activated chloride channel. Genes related to limbal and conjunctival epithelia are also described. Third, we touch upon the genetic abnormalities thought to be involved with epithelial dysfunction in Meesmann's dystrophy, gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy, and the ssig-h3-mutated corneal dystrophies. Fourth, we provide an update regarding the current state of knowledge of the role of cytokines, growth factors and apoptosis in relation to ocular surface homeostasis and tissue reconstruction; the main factors being epidermal growth factor (EGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor-ss (TGF-ss), and some inflammatory cytokines. Fifth, corneal epithelial barrier function and dysfunction as measured by fluorophotometry is remarked upon, with an explanation of the FL-500 fluorophotometer and its ability to detect corneal epithelial dysfunction at a subclinical level. The research described in this review has undoubtedly generated a complete understanding of corneal epithelial pathophysiology-an understanding that, directly or indirectly, has helped advance the development of new therapeutic modalities for ocular surface reconstruction.

Role of aldehyde dehydrogenases in endogenous and xenobiotic metabolism

Aldehydes are highly reactive molecules that are intermediates or products involved in a broad spectrum of physiologic, biologic and pharmacologic processes. Aldehydes are generated from chemically diverse endogenous and exogenous precursors and aldehyde-mediated effects vary from homeostatic and therapeutic to cytotoxic, and genotoxic. One of the most important pathways for aldehyde metabolism is their oxidation to carboxylic acids by aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs). Oxidation of the carbonyl functional group is considered a general detoxification process in that polymorphisms of several human ALDHs are associated a disease phenotypes or pathophysiologies. However, a number of ALDH-mediated oxidation form products that are known to possess significant biologic, therapeutic and/or toxic activities. These include the retinoic acid, an important element for vertebrate development, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important neurotransmitter, and trichloroacetic acid, a potential toxicant. This review summarizes the ALDHs with an emphasis on catalytic properties and xenobiotic substrates of these enzymes.

Transketolase gene expression in the cornea is influenced by environmental factors and developmentally controlled events

PURPOSE

Transketolase (TKT) has been proposed to be a corneal crystallin, and its gene and protein are abundantly expressed in the corneal epithelium of several mammals. A marked up-regulation of TKT gene expression coincides with the time of eyelid opening in the mouse. Here, we examined whether exposure to incident light contributes to the up-regulation of TKT gene expression during cornea maturation.

METHODS

Mice were raised in either standard light/dark cycling conditions or total darkness. In some cases, subcutaneous injections of epidermal growth factor (EGF) were given beginning on the day of birth to induce early eyelid opening. RNA was prepared from the corneas of mothers and pups and subjected to Northern blot analyses. In addition, the relative levels of TKT mRNA and/or enzyme activity were examined in the corneas of human, bovine, rat, chicken, and zebrafish.

RESULTS

TKT mRNA levels were 2.1-fold higher in the corneas of 25-day-old mouse pups ( 12 days after eyelid opening) that had been born and raised in light/dark conditions compared to pups born and raised in total darkness. By contrast, the level of TKT mRNA in the mature corneas of adult mice maintained in the dark for 2-8 weeks did not vary greatly from those of mice maintained in light/dark conditions. Interestingly, TKT mRNA levels in the corneas of dark-raised mice, although reduced, did exhibit the increase characteristically observed before and after eyelid opening. In addition, TKT mRNA levels were elevated fivefold in the corneas of 28-day-old mice raised in darkness and injected with EGF compared to uninjected mice also deprived of light. The EGF-injected mice opened their eyes 3 days early, and their corneal epithelium did not grossly differ from that of control mice. TKT mRNA and/or enzyme activity was found to be much higher in the corneas than in other tissues of humans, bovines, and rats but was extremely low in the corneas of chicken and zebrafish.

CONCLUSION

Our studies suggest that both exposure to incident light and events surrounding the process of eyelid opening play a role in the up-regulation of TKT gene expression observed during corneal maturation in mice. Light appears to play a less important role in the mature cornea in maintaining high levels of TKT gene expression. The low levels of TKT in the cornea of chicken and zebrafish support the notion that TKT acts as a taxon-specific enzyme-crystallin in mammals. The involvement of environmental signals for this putative, mammalian cornea crystallin contrasts with the purely developmental signals involved in the up-regulation of the crystallin genes of the lens.

Identification of a 3.2 kb 5'-flanking region of the murine keratocan gene that directs beta-galactosidase expression in the adult corneal stroma of transgenic mice

The mouse keratocan gene (Ktcn) expression tracks the corneal morphogenesis during eye development and becomes restricted to keratocytes of the adult, implicating a cornea-specific gene regulation of the mouse Ktcn [J. Biol. Chem., 273 (1998) 22584-22588]. To examine the functionality of the mouse Ktcn promoter, we have cloned and sequenced a 3.2kb genomic DNA fragment 5' of the mouse Ktcn gene, which was used to prepare a reporter gene construct that contained the 3.2kb 5' flanking sequence, exon 1 and 0.4kb of intron 1 of Ktcn, and beta-geo hybrid reporter gene. The beta-galactosidase (betaGal) activity was assayed in tissues of two of five transgenic mouse lines obtained via microinjection. In adult transgenic mice, betaGal activity was detected only in cornea, not in other tissues (e.g. lens, retina, sclera, lung, heart, liver, diaphragm, kidney, and brain). During ocular development, the spatial-temporal expression patterns of the betaGal recapitulated that of endogenous Ktcn in transgenic mice. Using XGal staining, strong betaGal activity was first detected in periocular tissues of E13.5 embryos, and restricted to corneal keratocytes at E14.5 and thereafter. Interestingly, in addition to cornea, betaGal activity was transiently found in some non-ocular tissues, i.e. ears, snout, and limbs of embryos of E13.5 and E14.5 but was no longer detected in those tissues of E16.5 embryos. The transient expression of endogenous keratocan in non-ocular tissues during embryonic development was confirmed by in situ hybridization. Taken together, our results suggest that the 3.2kb Ktcn promoter contains sufficient cis-regulatory elements to drive heterologous minigene expression in cells expressing keratocan. The identification of keratocyte-specific expression of betaGal reporter gene in the adult transgenic mice is an important first step in characterizing the Ktcn promoter in order to use it to drive a foreign gene expression in corneal stroma.

Review: A case for corneal crystallins

It is established that the diverse, multifunctional crystallins are responsible for the optical properties of the cellular, transparent lens of the complex eyes of vertebrates and invertebrates. Lens crystallins often differ among species and may be enzymes or stress proteins. I present here the idea that abundant water-soluble enzymes and other proteins may also be used for cellular transparency in the epithelial cells and, possibly, stromal keratocytes of the cornea. Aldehyde dehydrogenases and transketolase are among the putative "corneal crystallins" in mammals, and gelsolin may be a corneal crystallin in the zebrafish. In invertebrates, the glutathione S-transferase-related S-crystallins of the lens appear to be used also as corneal crystallins in the squid, and an aldehyde dehydrogenase-related protein is the crystallin in the lens and, possibly, cornea of the scallop. The use of abundant, taxon-specific water-soluble proteins as crystallins for cellular transparency in the cornea would provide a new conceptual link between this tissue and the lens.

Corneal stromal wound healing in refractive surgery: the role of myofibroblasts

While laser and incisional refractive surgery offer the promise to correct visual refractive errors permanently and predictably, variability and complications continue to hinder wide-spread acceptance. To explain variations, recent studies have focused on the role of corneal wound healing in modulating refractive outcomes. As our understanding of the corneal response to refractive surgery broadens, it has become apparent that the response of one cell, the corneal stromal keratocyte, plays a pivotal role in defining the results of refractive surgery. Studies reviewed herein demonstrate that injury-induced activation and transformation of keratocytes to myofibroblasts control the deposition and organization of extracellular matrix in corneal wounds. Myofibroblasts establish an interconnected meshwork of cells and extracellular matrix that deposits new matrix and contracts wounds using a novel and unexpected "shoe-string-like" mechanism. Transformation of keratocytes to myofibroblasts is induced in culture by transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and blocked in vivo by antibodies to TGFbeta. Overall, myofibroblast appearance in corneal wounds is associated with wound contraction and regression following incisional keratotomy and the development of "haze" or increased scattered light following laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). By contrast, absence of myofibroblasts is associated with continued widening of wound gape and progressive corneal flattening after incisional procedures. Based on these studies, we have arrived at the inescapable conclusion that a better understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of this one cell is required if refractive surgery is ever to achieve predictable and safe refractive results.

Extrahepatic synthesis of plasminogen in the human cornea is up-regulated by interleukins-1alpha and -1beta

The avascular cornea has limited access to plasma proteins, including plasminogen, a protein that is synthesized by the liver and supplied to most tissues via the blood. Recent experiments by others using plasminogen-deficient mice revealed the importance of plasmin, the active form of plasminogen, for the maintenance of the normal cornea and for corneal wound healing [Kao, Kao, Bugge, Kaufman, Kombrinck, Converse, Good and Degan (1998) Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 39, 502-508; Drew, Kaufman, Kombrinck, Danton, Daugherty, Degen and Bugge (1998) Blood 91, 1616-1624]. In the present experiments, plasmin was identified as a major serine proteinase in the human cornea. The major plasminogen and plasmin forms on non-reducing zymograms and Western blots had Mr values of 76x10(3) and 85x10(3), with minor forms of Mr 200x10(3), 135x10(3), 68x10(3) and 45x10(3). Angiostatin-like peptides with Mrs of 48x10(3), 45x10(3) and 38x10(3) were observed which bound to lysine-Sepharose and reacted with anti-plasminogen monoclonal antibodies directed towards kringle domains 1-3 of plasminogen. The cornea contained 1.1+/-0.15 microgram of plasminogen+plasmin/cornea, or 0.54+/-0.05 microgram of plasminogen+plasmin/mg of protein. Cornea conditioned medium contained nine times the amount of plasminogen+plasmin that could be extracted from the cornea. These data suggested that corneal cells, unlike most extrahepatic cells, synthesize plasminogen. The synthesis of plasminogen by the cornea was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of metabolically labelled plasminogen, sequencing of its cDNA obtained by reverse transcriptase-PCR and inhibition of protein synthesis. Interleukins-1alpha and -1beta stimulated corneal plasminogen synthesis 2-3-fold; however, interleukin-6 decreased corneal plasminogen synthesis by approx. 40% at early times after addition of the cytokine. By 24 h of culture, no differences were noted in the presence and absence of interleukin-6. Thus the cornea can synthesize plasminogen and regulate its synthesis in response to its environment, including cytokines induced in the cornea by injury and inflammation. Therefore the cornea can control the amount of plasminogen, the precursor of both plasmin and angiostatin.

The cellular basis of corneal transparency: evidence for ‘corneal crystallins’

In vivo corneal light scattering measurements using a novel confocal microscope demonstrated greatly increased backscatter from corneal stromal fibrocytes (keratocytes) in opaque compared to transparent corneal tissue in both humans and rabbits. Additionally, two water-soluble proteins, transketolase (TKT) and aldehyde dehydrogenase class 1 (ALDH1), isolated from rabbit keratocytes showed unexpectedly abundant expression (approximately 30% of the soluble protein) in transparent corneas and markedly reduced levels in opaque scleral fibroblasts or keratocytes from hazy, freeze injured regions of the cornea. Together these data suggest that the relatively high expressions of TKT and ALDH1 contribute to corneal transparency in the rabbit at the cellular level, reminiscent of enzyme-crystallins in the lens. We also note that ALDH1 accumulates in the rabbit corneal epithelial cells, rather than ALDH3 as seen in other mammals, consistent with the taxon-specificity observed among lens enzyme-crystallins. Our results suggest that corneal cells, like lens cells, may preferentially express water-soluble proteins, often enzymes, for controlling their optical properties.

The same xenobiotic response element is required for constitutive and inducible expression of the mammalian aldehyde dehydrogenase-3 gene

The mammalian aldehyde dehydrogenase-3 gene (ALDH3) exhibits several aspects of tissue-specific expression. Certain normal tissues, such as the cornea, constitutively express ALDH3 at very high levels. Other tissues, such as normal liver, do not express ALDH3. In liver, ALDH3 is inducible by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon xenobiotics by an Ah-receptor (AhR)-mediated pathway in which a liganded AhR complexes with nuclear ARNT protein, and the complex binds to a xenobiotic response element (XRE) sequence located near -3.0 kb in the ALDH3 5' flanking region and initiates transcription. We used our recently developed rat corneal epithelium culture model (Boesch et al., J. Biol. Chem. 271, 5150-5157, 1996) to study the molecular basis of constitutive ALDH3 expression. Transient transfection assays of corneal epithelium using a battery of ALDH3 5' flanking region-CAT reporter gene constructs indicate that high constitutive ALDH3 expression involves the same cis-acting elements as xenobiotic-induced ALDH3 expression in liver. These elements include a strong basal promoter region and the XRE located near -3.0 kb. Western analysis confirms the presence of AhR and ARNT proteins in 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rat liver, as well as ARNT protein in rat corneal epithelium. No AhR protein is found in rat cornea. The -3.0-kb ALDH3 XRE region contains multiple overlapping transcription factor binding sequences, including consensus sites for AhR, ARNT, HNF1, HNF4, and C/ebp. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) indicate that constitutive expression of ALDH3 in cornea involves binding of ARNT, HNF1, and HNF4 to the ALDH3-XRE in an Ah-receptor-independent, ARNT-requiring manner. Transient transfection of ALDH3-CAT reporter gene constructs possessing a mutation in either the ARNT- or HNF4-DNA binding sites of the XRE confirms the functional importance of these sequence motifs in constitutive ALDH3 expression.

The mouse transketolase (TKT) gene: cloning, characterization, and functional promoter analysis

The transketolase (TKT) gene is expressed 30-50 times more highly in the mature mouse cornea than in other tissues. Here, we have cloned and characterized the 30- to 40-kb single-copy mouse TKT gene. Sequence analysis supports the suggestion that present-day TKT and TKT-like genes arose from the duplication of a single common ancestral gene. A 6-bp polymorphism is present between different mouse strains in the noncoding region of exon 2. 5' RACE and primer extension analyses indicated that two regions separated by 630 bp are used as transcription initiation sites; both mRNAs appear to use a common initiator ATG codon. The minor distal transcription initiation site, preceded by a TATA sequence, is utilized in liver and is followed by an untranslated exon (exon 1). The major proximal transcription initiation site lies within intron 1, is used in cornea and liver, lacks a TATA sequence, is GC rich, and initiates at multiple sites within a 10-bp span, resembling the promoters of other housekeeping genes. In transfected cornea and lens cell lines, the -49/+90 fragment fused to the CAT gene acted as a minimal promoter, with higher activity noted for the -510/+91 fragment. TKT mRNA levels increased sixfold in the mouse cornea in vivo within 1-2 days of eye opening and were elevated in a lens cell line exposed to H2O2 or the glutathione-specific oxidizing agent diamide and in whole newborn mouse eyes incubated in the presence of light, consistent with multiple consensus stress-inducible control sequences in the TKT promoter regions. Taken together, these observations suggest that oxidative stress may play a role in the regulation of this gene in the cornea.